Free Guide to Understanding Hobby Lobby

What Hobby Lobby Is and How It Operates

Hobby Lobby is a privately held arts and crafts retail company founded in 1972 by David Green in Oklahoma City. Today, it operates more than 950 stores across the United States, making it one of the largest chains of its kind. The company is known for selling supplies used in various creative pursuits, including painting, drawing, knitting, jewelry making, woodworking, floral arranging, and home décor projects.

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The company remains family-owned and is not a publicly traded business, meaning it does not sell stock to the general public on financial markets. This ownership structure has shaped many of the company's policies and business decisions over the decades. Hobby Lobby operates primarily through physical retail locations rather than online sales, though customers can check inventory and product availability through their website before visiting a store.

The stores themselves are designed to provide a wide selection of craft materials, tools, and finished products. Typical Hobby Lobby locations stock thousands of items organized by category, including seasonal decorations, art supplies, fabric, yarn, beads, and framing materials. Many stores also offer services such as custom framing and mat cutting. The company employs approximately 40,000 people across its locations.

Understanding Hobby Lobby's basic structure and operations helps explain why certain company policies exist and how they differ from other retailers. The company's approach to business practices, such as store hours and employee benefits, reflects decisions made by its private ownership rather than requirements from shareholders or stock market pressures.

Practical Takeaway: Before visiting a Hobby Lobby store, research which locations are nearest to you using their store locator. This helps you understand what products might be available in your area and what services individual locations offer.

Store Hours and Holiday Closures

One distinctive feature of Hobby Lobby that sets it apart from many competitors is its approach to store hours. The company has maintained a policy of closing all stores on Sundays since its founding. This policy reflects the religious beliefs of the founding family and has remained consistent across all locations for more than 50 years. Additionally, Hobby Lobby closes on major holidays including Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter, Independence Day, and Labor Day.

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Typical store hours at most Hobby Lobby locations are Monday through Saturday, 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, though specific times may vary by location. Some stores in certain areas may have different hours based on local factors, such as shopping mall hours if the store is located within a mall, or regional preferences. It is important to check the hours of your specific location before planning a visit, as hours can change seasonally or due to other circumstances.

The Sunday closure policy means that customers who prefer weekend shopping must visit on Saturday or plan their trips for weekdays. This is an important consideration for people with busy schedules or those who rely on weekend shopping time. Some customers appreciate this policy as it ensures employees have at least one full day off each week, while others find it inconvenient compared to competitors that maintain seven-day operations.

The holiday closure policy is similarly consistent across locations. During major holidays, all Hobby Lobby stores nationwide close completely. This provides employees with time off during significant celebrations and family occasions. Customers planning holiday crafting projects should shop ahead and account for these closures when timing their purchases.

Practical Takeaway: Always verify your local store's hours before visiting, especially during seasons when hours may change. Set a reminder before major holidays to complete your shopping, as the store will be closed during these periods.

Employee Benefits and Workplace Policies

Hobby Lobby has adopted several employee-focused policies that differ from many retail competitors. The company provides health insurance benefits to full-time employees, which in the retail sector is not universal. Full-time employees typically receive coverage through a company health plan that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance options. The company has stated that this insurance is available to employees regardless of marital status or whether they have dependents.

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One notable aspect of Hobby Lobby's health insurance policy came to public attention through a 2014 Supreme Court case. The company objected to certain contraceptive coverage requirements in the health insurance mandate under the Affordable Care Act, claiming religious reasons. The Supreme Court ruled in favor of Hobby Lobby, allowing the company to exclude certain contraceptive methods from its employee health insurance plans while still providing other forms of contraception coverage. This case established legal precedent about religious objections to certain healthcare mandates.

The company also offers a 401(k) retirement plan to eligible employees, which allows workers to save for retirement with potential employer matching contributions. Hobby Lobby has been known to offer competitive matching rates compared to other retailers. Part-time employees may have different benefits structures than full-time employees, which is common across the retail industry.

The company's wage structure has evolved over time. In 2013, Hobby Lobby announced it would increase its minimum hourly wage to $13 per hour, which was significantly higher than the federal minimum wage of $7.25 at that time. This decision was made before similar wage increases became widespread in the retail industry. The company has continued to adjust wages periodically, though specific current wage information should be verified through recent company announcements or by contacting local stores directly.

Practical Takeaway: If you are considering employment at Hobby Lobby, research the current wages and benefits packages offered at your nearest location. Ask questions during the interview process about health insurance eligibility timelines and retirement plan options to understand what benefits you might receive.

The Company's Collection of Artifacts and Museum Initiatives

Beyond retail operations, Hobby Lobby has become known for its extensive private collection of historical and religious artifacts. The founding family has invested significantly in acquiring ancient artifacts from regions including Egypt, Iraq, and the Middle East. This collection includes cuneiform tablets, biblical manuscripts, ancient pottery, and other historical objects. The collection reportedly contains thousands of items and represents one of the largest private collections of ancient artifacts in the United States.

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In 2017, the company announced plans to create a museum dedicated to displaying these artifacts. The Museum of the Bible opened in Washington, D.C., in 2018 as a privately funded institution. The museum spans 430,000 square feet and features exhibits about biblical history, artifacts, and the cultural significance of biblical texts. The museum includes objects from the company's collection alongside educational programming about historical and religious topics related to the Bible.

The acquisition and display of these artifacts have generated significant discussion and controversy. In 2010, Homeland Security agents seized approximately 200 ancient Iraqi artifacts from Hobby Lobby that were determined to have been improperly imported into the United States. The company agreed to return these items and paid a settlement. In 2021, Hobby Lobby agreed to return approximately 5,500 cuneiform tablets to Iraq after they were determined to have been smuggled out of the country illegally.

These events prompted discussions about ethical artifact collecting, international laws regarding cultural property, and the responsibilities of private collectors. Museums and archaeologists have various perspectives on whether private collections serve educational purposes or if artifacts should be housed in institutional settings or returned to their countries of origin. The Museum of the Bible has addressed these concerns by implementing policies about artifact provenance and displaying information about the history of items in its collection.

Practical Takeaway: If you are interested in learning about Hobby Lobby's artifact collection and its role in historical preservation, the Museum of the Bible provides information about its collections, acquisition policies, and educational mission through its website and visitor information.

Corporate Social Responsibility and Community Involvement

Hobby Lobby has a philanthropic arm called the Hobby Lobby Foundation, which directs charitable giving and community initiatives. The company supports various causes, with particular emphasis on religious and educational organizations. The foundation has provided funding for educational institutions, particularly those with religious affiliations, and has supported international humanitarian efforts.

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The company has been involved in various community projects, including disaster relief efforts following natural disasters and support for military-related causes. Following Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Hobby Lobby provided financial support and donated supplies to affected communities. The company has also supported organizations that work with veterans and military families, reflecting a stated commitment to this community.

Hobby Lobby has faced criticism regarding certain charitable giving decisions. For example, the company's support for organizations with particular religious or political viewpoints has occasionally drawn attention from those who hold different perspectives. Like many large corporations, Hobby Lobby's philanthropic choices reflect the values of its ownership and leadership.